Class 1 due to expire...

[-LoneWolf-]

Hi all,

My Class 1 medical (Initial) is due to expire on the 19th September. I'm not going to be flying until February so I was planning on getting it renewed nearer the time. I've been told by one person that if I allow it to expire, I'll need to travel down to Gatwick again for another Initial Class 1 at £300+. I spoke to the CAA and they said that this isn't the case and that I can just get it renewed before I start flying. I'm not doubting the knowledge of the person I spoke to at the CAA. I'd just like this confirmed by those in the know.

Thanks.

[Waryhawk]

If it helps, my class 1 expired at the beginning of the year, and when it lapsed it 'dropped' and became a class 2. I rang the CAA a few weeks ago about it, and they said just get it revalidated when needed, which I think is a slightly extended medical exam, and they said don't let it lapse by 5 years or more. If I don't need a class 1 at the moment then continue using the expired one as a class 2.

I've made several calls to the CAA Medical section lately purely for advice, always helpful.

[Shunter]

The CAA are correct. You can let it lapse, and the renewal procedure with your local AME next year will be exactly the same as it would have been this year.

[-LoneWolf-]

Thank you very much for your replies. I thought as much